Best VS Code Alternatives in 2026
Looking for alternatives to VS Code? Here are the top options compared.
Why Consider VS Code Alternatives?
- β οΈAI features require separate extensions (Copilot)
- β οΈCan become slow with too many extensions
- β οΈElectron-based (higher memory usage)
- β οΈNo native AI chat integrated in editor
Top 1 Alternatives to VS Code
#1
Cursor
Cursor is an AI-first code editor built on VS Code's foundation. It deeply integrates AI into every part of the coding workflow β from inline edits and multi-file refactoring to natural language commands and codebase-aware chat.
Free / $20/month (Pro)
Free tier availableβ Pros
- β’ AI deeply integrated into every workflow
- β’ Codebase-aware AI chat understands your entire project
- β’ Multi-file AI edits with Composer
β Cons
- β’ Paid subscription required for full features ($20/month)
- β’ Can lag during heavy AI operations
- β’ Still maturing β occasional bugs
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Price | Free Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| VS Code | Free / $10/month (Copilot) | β | Code Editors |
| Cursor | Free / $20/month (Pro) | β | Code Editors |